Stockport Labour Group has slammed proposals by Lib Dem controlled Stockport Council to hike charges for residents parking schemes by 90% and introduce charges for schemes that are currently free.
The plans have emerged in reports that will be discussed at Area Committees next week (week commencing 8th April).
There are currently several fee-free schemes in operation as well as schemes which residents are charged for.
The annual cost of the schemes to residents is currently £21; the Lib Dems are proposing to increase this charge first to £30 in 2014/15 and then increase it again to £40 a year in 2015/16. Areas that currently have fee-free schemes will be charged under the Lib Dems’ plans by April 2015.
The cost of permits for medical or care visitors are also proposed to be increased from the current £10 to £20 by 2015/16.
Labour’s Spokesperson on the environment and economy, Cllr David White (Davenport & Cale Green), commented on the proposed hike in charges: “Yet again the Lib Dems are hitting residents with inflation-busting price rises. Putting charges up by 90% is simply unaffordable for many families, particularly those on fixed incomes like pensioners.
“I hope the Council will reconsider this plan and understand that they can’t keep squeezing people for more money that many simply do not have.”
The Council report makes specific reference to the fee-free residents parking schemes around Edgeley Park Stadium and in the Town Centre, and proposes to replace these schemes with charged schemes.
Edgeley & Cheadle Heath Labour councillor Philip Harding said: “The proposals to introduce a complicated charging system for the residents parking scheme near to Edgeley Park is absurd. It is totally unfair to residents and I am against it.”